Report – Chelsea lost out to Arsenal in the race for Declan Rice alternative in the summer

Chelsea lost out to Arsenal in the race for Thomas Partey

A report by the Telegraph (h/t Metro) has revealed that Chelsea were interested in signing Thomas Partey in the summer as an alternative to Declan Rice, but were beaten to the punch by rivals Arsenal.

Frank Lampard spent over £200m in the summer to recruit players all over the pitch and wanted to spend more to bring a defensive midfielder.

Chelsea were interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, but an £80m million valuation put on him by the Hammers made Chelsea back out from the deal.

Lampard still managed to bring in Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Hvertz, Thiago Silva, and £50m left-back Ben Chilwell before the deadline day in the summer.

The report states that Chelsea were prepared to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey as an alternative Declan Rice for half the price, but Arsenal met his release clause on deadline day.

Thomas Partey has been one of the few star performers in an underwhelming Arsenal side this season, and his addition to Chelsea’s midfield would have surely benefitted Lampard.

Lampard strengthened the squad in all departments of the pitch but still failed to bring in a defensive midfielder, although he has been aided by the fact that N’Golo Kante has regained his fitness and form and become an important part of Chelsea’s midfield again.

Chelsea are still interested in signing Declan Rice, and will try to sign the 21-year-old Englishman again in the January transfer window. (h/t Metro)

It is being said that the Chelsea board felt the price they paid for Ben Chilwell was excessive but have been led to believe that the move was worth the money because of the Englishman’s stellar performances this season.

Lampard is hoping that the same logic will apply to Declan Rice and hence Chelsea could put in a bid for him again in the winter transfer window. (h/t Metro)